Scars Board decisions

The Veteran's service-connected chemical burn scars to the hands and wrists have been manifested by two painful scars, but they do not cause any additional functional limitation, are not unstable, do not cover an area of at least 39 square centimeters, and are not deep. The criteria for an evaluation in excess of 10 percent have not been met.

The Veteran's left ankle disability is rated at a 20 percent rating, effective from August 1, 2014. The issue of compensable rating for scars associated with the same condition remains pending.

The Veteran's combined rating for his service-connected disabilities is 80%, meeting the threshold percentage requirements for a TDIU. However, despite this, VA medical opinions indicate that the Veteran's service-connected conditions do not preclude him from obtaining and maintaining all forms of substantially gainful employment.

The Veteran's service connection claims for various conditions, including neuropathy, thrombocytopenia, a left arm scar, obstructive sleep apnea, and blurred vision are all granted.

The Board has granted a TDIU and remanded the remaining issues for further action.

The Veteran's initial compensable evaluation for her hysterectomy scar prior to November 18, 2014, and a rating in excess of 10 percent thereafter have been denied. The appeal is based on the merits of the claim.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation, and the Board grants a TDIU for the entire appeal period.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for further action, including scheduling a hearing before a Decision Review Officer.

The Veteran's claim for an increased rating for his left hand scar disability is being remanded due to the need for a VA examination and the need to obtain additional medical records.

The Board found that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities do not meet the criteria for SMC based on need for aid and attendance or housebound status, nor does she meet the criteria for TDIU.

The Board finds that the Veteran's credible report of a centipede bite injury on his left ankle during service, combined with the presence of a current scar matching the description in service records, supports granting service connection for residuals of a centipede bite manifested as a left ankle scar.

The Veteran's migraine headaches are currently rated at 50% from August 26, 2015. The rating for residuals of left bunionectomy with scar is also 50%. Both conditions meet the criteria for a maximum schedular rating.

The Veteran's PTSD and depressive neurosis are already service-connected, but his skull fracture and scarring from a gunshot wound are not rated higher than the current 10 percent. The skull fracture does not meet criteria for a compensable rating under Diagnostic Code 5296, while the scarring is evaluated at 10 percent based on one characteristic of disfigurement.

The October 1971 rating decision did not assign a separate rating for the tender right clavicle scar, but it was already covered under the assigned rating.,The October 1971 rating decision also did not assign a separate rating for shell fragment injury to muscle group XX or muscle group XXI. The Veteran's representative argued that this omission should be considered CUE.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including diabetes mellitus type II with peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, residuals of status post right hemicolectomy secondary to bowel perforation from colonoscopy with status post ventral hernia repair and scar, tinnitus, and bilateral hearing loss, preclude him from obtaining substantially gainful employment. The Board has granted a TDIU based on this finding.

The Veteran's appeal has been withdrawn prior to the Board making a decision.

The Board has directed that the Veteran's signed informed consent for his July 27, 2006 VA keloid excision surgery be obtained. The RO must attempt to obtain this information and document all attempts in the claims file.

The Board denied service connection for peripheral arterial disease of the upper and lower extremities, hypertension, erectile dysfunction, and right knee gunshot wound scar as they are not shown to be related to service or service-connected conditions.,Service connection was also denied for a right knee scar due to lack of evidence showing its presence in service.

The Veteran's claim for a compensable initial rating for his service-connected left knee disability is being remanded due to the need for another VA examination.

The Veteran's claims for increased disability ratings and service connection are being remanded due to the need for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and a new examination for his impotence claim.